KiwiRail welcomes Government’s boost to rail

KiwiRail Chief
Executive Peter Reidy says today’s announcements of new
projects in the Provincial Growth Fund are a strong signal
of the Government’s confidence in rail’s ability to
drive regional economic growth for New Zealand.

“KiwiRail is committed to enabling sustainable and
inclusive economic growth and the Government’s investment
in promoting rail in the regions will enable us to step up
that work.

“This investment is a vote of confidence
in our customers and our staff.

“The projects
announced today – the re-opening of the Wairoa-Napier line
and the upgrade of the Whanganui line – are just the
start.

“They are the projects that were ‘shovel
ready’ and that we could begin straight away.

“The
feasibility studies that were also announced today are an
indication of the possibilities for future investment.

“We welcome this recognition of the contribution rail
is making in adding value to New Zealand, not only through
the efficient movement of freight and people, but in all of
the areas highlighted in the recent Value of Rail report
prepared by professional services firm EY.

Scoop Citizen Members and ScoopPro Organisations are the lifeblood of Scoop.

20 years of independent publishing is a milestone, but your support is essential to keep Scoop thriving. We are building on our offering with new In-depth Engaged Journalism platform - thedig.nz.
Find out more and join us:

“It is our intention that the clarity that will come from the outcome of these proceedings will enable the Crown to work with Southern Response to provide a soundly based proactive solution to those people that are affected.” More>>

Classifying on-demand video content will be made mandatory to bring it in line with other media and provide better guidance and protections to families and young people, says Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin. More>>

Inland Revenue and the Accident Compensation Corporation are calling ‘time’ on cheques. From March next year, IR and ACC will no longer accept payments by cheque from customers who are able to use alternative payment options. More>>

ALSO:

Broader participation by New Zealanders, greater access to growth capital for New Zealand enterprises, and more choices for investors drive the recommendations in the Capital Markets 2029 report released today. More>>

Wallabies could spread over a third of New Zealand within the next 50 years, unless control is increased dramatically, says Forest & Bird central North Island regional manager Rebecca Stirnemann. More>>